Distilled Spirits Council Appoints Top Financial Executive as CFO

The Distilled Spirits Council today announced it has named long-time, Washington, D.C., not-for-profit financial executive Kevin Smith, CPA/MBA, as senior vice president of finance and administration.

Smith most recently served three years as chief financial officer of the United Way of the National Capital Area, where he received Washington Business Journal’s2016 CFO of the Year Award and Bisnow’s 2015 CFO of the Year Award. Prior to the United Way, Smith spent more than two decades in financial leadership roles at The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Fannie Mae Foundation.

“With more than two decades of financial experience in the not-for-profit sector, we are excited to bring Kevin aboard as we continue to modernize and upgrade the service and value we provide to our members,” said Distilled Spirits Council President & CEO Kraig R. Naasz. “We look forward to drawing on Kevin’s experience to help guide our administrative, financial and strategic efforts as we grow our membership.”

A native of Maryland, Smith earned his MBA in Urban Development & Real Estate from American University and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland.

“The Council is one of the most prestigious national associations in Washington,” said Smith. “While widely recognized as a leader in advocating for the beverage alcohol sector at the state, federal and international levels, I’m also proud to join an organization that promotes responsibility and moderation.”

Smith replaces Jean Gooding who recently retired after nearly 20 years at the Council.